General News
5 December, 2025
Clunes unites for Christmas
Country towns are showing how it can be done, as towns like Clunes are reimagining how to celebrate Christmas in the face of rising costs, reduced volunteer capacity, and ongoing economic pressures.
This year, Clunes traders have joined forces to design new ways of decorating the town and hosting community festivities without relying on expensive or resource-heavy traditions of the past.
By pooling resources, sourcing materials together and sharing the workload, local businesses have shown what can be achieved when community spirit is prioritised alongside financial sustainability.
Clunes Neighbourhood House manager Lana de Kort said the efforts reflect a deeper story of resilience.
“It’s been a tough couple of years between the drought, declining volunteer rates and rising costs of living, but businesses recognise that communities still need to feel the Christmas spirit and that decorations and festivities can be a real drawcard,” she said.
“In Clunes we’ve had some spectacular Christmases in the past, but the decorations have faded beyond repair. Finding new ways to decorate and plan an event has given businesses the chance to work together outside of business as usual, strengthening relationships along the way.
“Country towns like Clunes are doing it tough, but when you see small business owners — who are already working so hard just to operate their businesses — pulling together like this and getting on with it, it’s inspiring. It hints at a resilient and innovative heart that is as warming as the Christmas season itself.”
Traders have planned a major celebration, Clunes Colours of Christmas, adding to a bumper month of festivities on Saturday, December 13. Locals and visitors are warmly invited to enjoy:
• Clunes IGA Annual Raffle (morning) — Always lively and packed with prizes.
• Clunes Colours of Christmas Late-Night Shopping (4 to 8 pm) — Shop local with festive specials.
• Local cafes offering Christmas menus and treats.
• Kids’ Christmas activities — family friendly fun including ice-cream and crafts.
• Live Entertainment — music throughout the evening, featuring Hayley Mary at 7.30 pm.
• Santa’s Arrival (7 pm)
Other festive activities around town:
• O’Hara’s Bakery Christmas Colouring Competition.
• Reverse Advent Hampers via Clunes Pharmacy.
• Pop-Up Art Shop (December 12–14 ) at 49 Fraser Street.
• Clunes Market (December 14).
• National Hotel festive dinner with live music (Sunday evening following the market).
• Rogue Planet Gallery opening their doors at the Clunes School of Mines (December 17–20 and 23–24).
• Soul Barn Summer Series (December 27 — January 4).